VIVI K. CRANDALL GALLERY - Very Important Paintings

This article was taken from the April 2001 Edition of U.S. Art. It addresses issues and concerns on
the future of Vivi print releases. We are interested in your feedback on this matter. Please fill out form!
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One Publisher's Dilemma

      Gary Crandall, for one, is vehemently opposed to the re-releases of previously published prints. "I think it stinks," says the owner of Artist's Choice Gallery and Publishing Company. "I'm fundamentally opposed to the concept."
      But since his wife, acclaimed wildlife artist Vivi Crandall, died of cancer last year, he has been noodling some ideas that actually do include re-releasing a handful of popular editions - partly to fund her memorial foundation, and partly to take advantage of the improved printing processes now available.
      "I've definitely given it more than a passing thought," Crandall says. " Now that Vivi's not here, my desire to have the work that's hanging on the walls be the best that it can be is strengthened. But I don't want that to be at the expense of people who have supported Vivi's work for so long. So I'm sitting here waiting for a stroke of genius before I decide what to do."
      Crandall says that some of the digital options now available for printing would allow him to re-create his wife's paintings more faithfully to the original and that he is considering "finishing out" editions that aren't yet sold out by reprinting the remaining numbers as digital prints. He's also considering producing a small number of prints of everything she did, with all proceeds earmarked to fund the foundation he's creating that would support all the causes Vivi supported during her lifetime.
      At the same time, however, he's concerned with public reaction to this plan. "It would break my heart to do something that would erode what I've built with my collectors," Crandall say. "And it's double tough when you're left with someone's reputation to guard. So I'm just not sure what to do."
      And to that end, Crandall is open to opinions.

U.S. ART - April 2001

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I am not sure how I feel about you re-releasing - there are some that I would like to have but cannot afford. My question would be, will they be released at current market value, or at a lesser issue price? I would not want the pictures I have to decrease in value however, that is not why we bought them (21 total). That's a bonus. On another note, I would like to put in my suggestion that you release for print "Wooley Bully". I have always loved the picture, I own Bullrush and think it would be the perfect compliment. Keep up the good work! Love, Kathi

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As the owner of over a dozen Vivi prints, I would hope that the prints not be re-released. While the thought of getting an opportunity of buying one of the more expensive, sold out prints would be appealing, I think that print would not be looked at as fondly by me as the others. Good luck with your decision, Gary.

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I don't think it would be fair to re-release any of Vivi's prints whether today's technology could do the originals more justice or not.

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I have no problem with the withdrawal of any unsold prints for upgrading, but the re-issue of sold out prints is a problem. If you decide to do it, the edition should be produced with smaller dimensions, so as not to confuse it with the original release. It has to be marked as a second edition also, and obviously is to be unsigned.

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I just came accross this, so it's probably too late and you have probably already made up your mind. I own 19 of her prints, and value wise I dont know what this re-issue would do, but I own them because I love them. I have never seen a Vivi original, so I can't compare them to my limited edition prints, nor have I seen digital enhanced. I think the ones I have are great,but I might be sad if someone had the same print but it was much better. I'm not saying yea or nay that is just a personal opinion. I was deeply saddened at her death, as I have collected her for some time, I'm sorry I never got the opportunity to meet her I heard she was quite a character. What ever you decide I'm sure you will have her best interest at heart. Best to you Dianna

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"Pa-G", I back your decision 100% (from one who has many works). I know how much you loved each other. I know you only have those dearest of interests at heart while pondering this most difficult decision. I bet if when you lay down to sleep and ask "Ma-V" what she thinks - she'll tell you. We love you unconditionally - you know that.

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Dear Mr. Crandall, I came across your wife's work in novelty shop (card) just yesterday while on vacation in Oklahoma. I'm home now (in Texas) and been up since 3:30 a.m. combing through her website. Her work and her story have touched my heart. I came across your "Dilemma"... I'm an artist so I not only have an tremendous admiration for her work, but a deep appreciation for what she has accomplished (both artistically and personally!). I'm self taught artist and now find myself in the unfamiliar territory of the business world! I can tell you, I struggle with the business end far more than I get to paint - that is for certain! However, there is one thing I've learned and that is that I have a personal responsiblity to God, myself and the world to share my gift. That being said, I feel there can be some way to share her work with the world without hurting your collectors. My idea (and you may have already done this...) is to put her work in a series of books. I will be the first to purchase them! Art just continues to be the vehicle to take us down new roads! Best wishes to you! I thank you for your committment to Vivi and to the rest of the world who's souls benefit from the beauty of her work. Sincerely, Charice Cooper

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I say reissue the prints but perhaps you could add at the bottom of the print a quote of vivi's about life and it's value. She oviously had a great impact on many lives and what a way to continue her memory. I have three of her bunny pics, a few plates and a tree display of bunny ornaments. To me her bunnies are peaceful and loving......many blessing to you and yours on your decision.

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I'M NEW TO VIVI'S ART I FOUND IT ON A CARD. I AM PETICULARY INTERESTED IN THE ELK. I'M SORRY ABOUT YOUR WIFE,I LOST MY HUSBAND,AND REMARRIED A MAN WHO LOST HIS WIFE AND BEST FRIEND TO CANCER,TOO. THE ELK IS FOR HIM. HE IS A HUNTER WHO LOVES WILDLIFE AND ALL IT REPRESENTS. HE IS AN INDIAN AT HEART. HE LIKES VIVI'S ARTWORK WHEN I ASK IF HE KNEW IT HE SAID IT WAS ONE OF HE AND BECKEY'S FAVORITES. HE GOT SAD AND I DIDN'T KNOW WHY UNTIL I READ THIS LETTER. I THINK IT WOULD BE SAD TO LIMIT HER BEAUTIFUL TALENT TO ONLY A FEW! I WOULD BE GLAD TO BUY FROM THE ELK FOUNDATION OR WHAT EVER ORGANIZATION SHE SUPPORTED. I AM AWARE OF THE HELP THEY ARE TO OUR WILDLIFE.THANK YOU FOR ASKING FOR COMMENTS. SINCERELY,LAURA PS. I LOVE THE BUNNIES AND FERRETS!!

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I am one of the many who missed knowing and being a part of Mrs. Crandall's art. I have been exposed to many artists and their work and am devastated that it took a greeting card for me to see Vivi Crandall's. I admit this with shame- for myself and the art community in Charleston, SC. I would certainly support the release of reprints. I acknowledge that many have purchased her work and do not wish to lose the value of their investments for I am also a collector. I feel it to be a larger injustice to deny the beauty of this individual, Vivi Crandall, and her obvious love for her gift and her subjects to be coveted and hidden in a sparse circle of homes. I extend my support to the Crandall family and will bow to Mr. Crandall's wish. My blessings-

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Has there been any thought about publishing a book about Vivi and her art? I am lucky enough to have a few of her prints. I have had several people inquire about Vivi's work after seeing my prints, I send them to this website, but wish I had a book to keep and share with my friends and family. Perhaps this would be a way of sharing Vivi's work without re-releasing Vivi's art?

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I due not want to see any reprinting of Vivi work, I have two paintings not in print and I do not want them or would I allow them to be put into print as long as own them.

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Dear Mr. Crandall: Make the digital prints VERY limited, VERY expensive, and sell them ONLY through the dealers who have supported you and your wife all these years. Foundations, causes come and go but LOYALTY although a nontangible is worth it's weight in gold, much and frankincense. Your dealers have been loyal. Don't try to get the last golden egg out of the golden goose. That's MY opinion, what's yours. Make a decision, and not keep everyone upset. I am not a dealer. I owned Happy Feet and loved it, but let it go for $800.. I still own Fruit of the Loom. Sincerely, Bob McKenney P.O. Box 6 Bridgton, ME. 04009

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Gary I helped Vivi at the Carbon County Fair when she first displayed her art work there...She won everything including peoples choice and I lined her up with acouple of buyers back then..I now have several prints as I can't afford much more. If the new process allows the prints to be truer to the paintings go for it...but remember she never wanted her work to be in museums etc...she wanted her work to be for the general people and not just the few who could afford the best. I loved her dearly and repected her even more. I also had the brother to her rabbit...the one she painted happy feet..looks just like my rabbi..so I bought that one. Also my daughter is in a class this summer where they have to do a report on an artist...she is doing ViVi..srogers2@hotmail I figure I will continue to promote her as best as I can...and this may bring in a new generation...Hugs

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I believe it would be shameful to re-release any of Vivi's prints. I did not purchase her limited edition prints to have them re-printed down the road ... This reduces the value of my prints, and makes them virtually worth only the amount of paper they are printed on.

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gary i think that a person with her talent and generosity to many causes should be remembered, she left us soom beautful work i think it should be shared. go for it.good luck

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I have collected Wolf Prints of Vivi's for many years and both in print and on plates, and had the pleasure of meeting her while she was showing at a Safari Club function at the Dallas Fort Worth Airport in the early 80s (Iwas working security for the event, and spent all the money I earned on two prints, Rookies and Belly Deep and Blowing. They are treasured by my children and myself to this day and I am going to be adding to my collection soon. There was and is no other artist that was able to catch the feel of the animals that Vivi could, her love for the outdoors came through in each print. As a fan of Vivi's art for many years any decisions made will be the right one. May God Bless you and your family, you were and still are in our hearts.

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Dear Gary, It as been so long my friend that I am ashamed . Trust me you and Vivi have always been in our thouhgts . It was with great sadness that we learned of Vivi's passing . She was a great woman , and had a tremendous impact on my life . If it wasnt for Vivi I would not have experienced the joy of working at the Bar 11 Ranch , that was a dream come true for me . Not only the friendships with Vivi and Gary were special to me , But I also met my wife Joan and daughter Tee Jay at the ranch that fall and we have been together ever since . Gary I would love to hear from you , Call me at (607) 656 4354 or you can E-mail at srossie85@cs.com . As far as my opinion on prosscessing prints of Vivis work , I think its great good luck and look forward to hearing from you .

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I think a re-releases would be bad if funding of the memorial is a goal ask us that are collectors of Vivi's art to help

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Eso es una tontada amigos ,jajajajajajajaja Bueno se que no da risa pero como no tengo nada que hacer pues me meti a esta pagina que a quien le importa este asunto.

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Those of us who haven't had the opportunity to own one of the first series of prints would welcome the chance at a second (or third) edition print. My Two Cents

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To Whom It May Concern: I am interested in selling 107/670 print titled Catwalk. If you are interested please reply.. Thank you. David

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Gary: I bought two of Vivi's prints in the mid eighties, I believe from a precursor of Mill Pond Press. Recently, I tried to find out from Mill Pond the appraised value of the prints. They informed me that Vivi had passed away. My sincere regrets. After looking at the website, I agree she had a God give talent for art and people. Do what you think is right, I agree with your comments on doing something to support the causes she believed important. Is there a scholarship for an art student in Casper? That would be a suitable project. Print cards, coffee mugs, placemats, t-shirts, whatever it takes to raise money. Also the idea of redoing issues not sold out has merit. Good luck.

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It says that someone would like to sell #107/670 of "Catwalk" I am interested in it if the price is right and it is still available. Please advise. Thank you

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Gary, My sincere condolences at the loss of your wife, Vivi. I was not aware she had passed away, just checking out your website. What a shocking loss. As to your dilemma, a book with all of Vivi's works, would be something any serious collector of western wildlife should have. As for reprints, certainly Catwalk, Shadowplay, and a few others, should remain in short supply to drive up the value of Vivi's works. Some of the more recent works, reprinted with new digital quality, would make Vivi's works more available, increasing the demand for her paintings/prints, while still maintaining the value of her earlier works. God gave her a definite talent that only a few are blessed with, and may God rest her soul. Steve & Margie Thomas

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Hello: I have someone who is interested in selling Vivi's "Endangered Species" oil. My understanding is that there are no prints of this piece. Would anyone be interested in purchasing this piece? Thanks you for your consideration. Sue

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Hello Gary, I met you and Vivi sometime ago but think of you both often. I think of Vivi and I as we introduced each other in the womens bathroom. She in one stall myself in the other. We talked to each other but had not met face to face yet. She passed her hand to me and I to hers and we laughed crazily. We walked out of the stalls and gave each other a great big hug! That is how I first met Vivi!!!! She touched my heart and as if that was not enough she signed and gave me one of her prints. To this day it means the world to me. Gary I hope this finds you well. Follow your heart! Your idea is a brilliant one. You must always remember in this old world you can only please some of the people some of the time. True Vivi collectors and friends want ViVis' legacy to live on. Blessings to you and your decision..............Jeannie

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Sir; I currently own only two of Ms. Crandalls works, but am in the process of acquiring additional pieces. I believe that her art should be shared, but with the original seperate from the reproductions, possibly with a suffix or emblem denoteing the status. If the quality is that much better the reproductions will be as sought after as the originals or even more so. This is only my opinion and whatever you do I'm sure will be keeping with Ms. Crandalls wishes and desires. please accept my condolances and best of luck with this decision. Respectfully Dick Singer

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I know Vivi was a strong supporter of lots of great causes, but diminishing the value of the prints out to give money to those causes seems crazy. Why? don't they have other means of fundraising? We started collecting Crandall prints in 1990 with "Running on Empty", since I couldn't afford "Night Shift." Since then, my husband insisted we save and we did get an artist Proof of "N S" for eachother for Christmas in 1994 and since have collected 7 of her masterpieces. I hate to see that investment diminished. We love VIVI! Thanks for letting me input. S.

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I do hope you continue to keep her artwork alive and active in some form or way. It would be a shame as time goes by to let her artwork fade away. Future generations would greatly appreciate her artwork for she was a one of a kind artist. For that is how she lives on and continues to touch peoples lives for that is what paintings do. I hope you come up with a way to protect the collectors editions but yet keep her work alive for others to appreciate and support the foundations she deeply believed in. Somehow make the digitally enhanced but have special notations stating it or sizing to make them different from her originals and limited editions. Also not her original signature but a typed version of her name showing it's Vivi's work. Check into what other artists have done and how it was received by the collectors. There must be a solution to your problem. I visited a place of busniess recently that has several prints hanging in the office and they are breath taking. I couldn't afford a print after checking out her website but I sure wouldn't mind having some hanging in my home to admire. Sounds like you have some good feedback, and a tough decision. You must do what you feel is right. Wish you and your family the best.

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I did get the opportunity to meet Vivi several years ago. I worked in one of the galleries that sold her prints. She was a lovely woman!! I personally own eight of her prints; I consider them to be the 'cream of the crop'. I would think you would be doing a disservice to the collector's of her fine works if they were 're-released' to the general public. I consider my small collection to be very valuable, as the artist is 'passed on'. I hope you make the right decision!!

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My wife and I bought the print Bull Rush and we love it very much. My wife is a tribal member of the HoChunk Nation belongs to the Buffalo Clan.